The 20 Prettiest Black Sand Beaches From Around the World

Beachy shores can come in a rainbow of colors, but there's something especially stark (and breathtaking) about jet black sand. While Hawaii is probably the most famous destination when it comes to dark-colored coasts, countries around the world also feature black waterfronts.

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Stromboli, Italy

Nearby volcanoes are usually the reason for black beaches. The "sand" itself is actually made up of tiny pebbles instead of fine grains. For example, the Mediterranean island of Stromboli is actually just the tip-top of an enormous underwater volcano.

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Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park, Hawaii

With coconut groves and nesting sea turtles, Punalu'u has earned a reputation as one of the Big Island's best beaches. It's also the beach you're most likely to think of when you hear the words "black sand."

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Riviere Cyrique, Dominica

Venture to this small Caribbean island (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) for its sulfuric hot springs and unspoiled natural beauty.

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Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Indonesia

Don't be surprised to see a band of black macaque monkeys roaming down the shore at this tropical wildlife preserve.

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Reynisfjara, Iceland

While the aurora borealis may be a stunning backdrop, the basalt columns look especially eerie when covered with fog rolling off the Atlantic. And tourists, be warned – the waves are known for being unpredictable.

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El Bollullo Beach, Canary Islands

European vacationers love to frequent Spain's Tenerife, but the remote El Bollullo is still largely ignored by tourists.

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Miho no Matsubara, Japan

It's hard to ignore Mount Fuji towering in the background, but this Japanese coastline is actually more famous for its ancient pine groves, the setting of a famous play still performed today.

If the landscape looks familiar, that's because this coast set the scene for Oscar-winner The Piano.

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Wai'anapanapa State Park, Hawaii

The beach isn't the only star of this state park. The Maui reservation also boasts a seabird colony, a natural stone arch, and a heiau (a traditional Hawaiian temple).

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Perissa Beach, Greece

If relaxing in the sun is your kind of thing, this Grecian stretch is strewn with dozens of comfy lounge chairs for rent.

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Anse Couleuvre, Martinique

After braving a windy and narrow road, beach-goers are rewarded with an isolated spot and a nearby abandoned rum plantation.

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Playa Negra, Costa Rica

Surfers love the Pacific Coast waves in this Central American oasis, but there's also tide pools and designated swimming areas for those without a board.

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Stokksnes, Iceland

Walk down to the volcanic shore for the best vantage point of the awe-inspiring Vestrahorn mountain.

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Point Venus, Tahiti

Beyond providing a pretty panorama, Point Venus marks navigator James Cook's notable scientific achievement. The explorer and his crew recorded the transit of Venus across the sun (which occurs every 120 years!) and revealed information about the size of the solar system.

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Kaimu, Hawaii

While the old beach featured fine sand and palm trees, a volcanic eruption in 1990 covered the entire town of Kaimu with 50 feet of lava. The "new" beach is actually the hardened flow, but locals are working to restore the spot to its former glory.

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Jeju Island, South Korea

This Korean island is home to multiple natural wonders. Tourists can also wander down eerie "lava tubes," cave-like passageways formed from cooled magma.

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Diamond Beach, Iceland

On the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, icebergs calmly drift ashore and look just like —you guessed it — diamonds. The scenic lake also appears in popular movies like Die Another Day and Batman Begins.

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Ghost Point, California

On California's Lost Coast, surfers migrate to the rocky shores in search of the perfect wave.

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Pololu Valley, Hawaii

Motivated hikers can trek to a scenic lookout atop the Big Island valley, but the steep hills promise some pretty memorable views.

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